Natural Elixirs at the City's Edge
La Mesa Ecopark is a five-acre paradise in Fairview Quezon City, with an entrance fee as low as P20 for students. The Picnic Grounds allow for visitors to bring their own food to cook in the grilling stations – this part I enjoy a lot. But there are a number of stores that sell rice and snacks as well, at very affordable rates, for those who would rather not cook. I bring a mat and pillows when I stay in the picnic grounds, and rest under the shade of the trees. This is particularly better when I have a special someone with me; although it sounds cheesy, the ambiance is perfect for a romantic scene in a movie. The sound of the children playing nearby is music with the whistling of the wind. And sometimes, when the winds are cooler than usual, I find myself in a deep afternoon nap.
If you are in the mood for more activity, La Mesa Ecopark provides many options. An the center of the Picnic Grounds is the Fishing Wharf. There are bamboo rods for rent, and some earthworms as bait to catch fish. I tried it once, but failed to attract one single fish near my bait. But some are luckier; they could even cook the fish they catch if they chose to do so. A climb on the Flower Terraces is a better option for me, just beside the Fishing Wharf. There are around 130 steps to be traversed before a portion of the La Mesa Dam could be seen, as well as a perfect view of the Ecopark. The Flower Terraces are a perfect area for joggers, with the scent and sight of a wide variety of flowers a pleasant bonus. And a little further on, one can take a leisurely walk through the Orchidarium and the Butterfly Trail.
The Fitness Trail is also available for people who prefer a challenging work-out. There are obstacles courses to pass through, steel rods to jump over on, and ropes to climb. The trail is too difficult for me alone, but I could tell those groups of young professionals and students I have watched go through the obstacle courses enjoyed it a lot. Reservations could be made for companies and organizations that want to make use of the facility.
My favorite part of the Ecopark is the wall climbing and rappelling facility, very near the main entrance of the park. Climbing outdoors is a thrilling experience; it’s reaching for the skies one pull at a time. And for a climb that costs only P50, and rappelling only P100, it’s worth every peso spent. When I go to the Ecopark with my friends, we spend the afternoon in the Paintball Field, and as expected, we soil our shirts so grandly that it is a smart idea to keep the used shirts handy for the next visit to the field. The sense of adventure is very much alive – that feeling that everyday stress suppresses.
Before leaving, I make it standard practice to take a quick boat ride in the Lagoon and Pavillion. Once I get into the middle of the Lagoon, I stop to feed the geese. They would follow wherever the boat would lead them, as long as I have crumbs to feed them. The boat ride costs P100 for half an hour, and the crumbs P20.
Another place to visit is the Avilon Zoo, located at Barrio San Isidro, Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal. The largest zoo in the Philippines to date, Avilon Zoo is a 7.5 hectare-land of animals that live in their replicated natural environment. The zoo is different from the others in Manila because visitors are encouraged to interact with the animals, like having a walk through the park. It is accredited by the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Extreme care is given to the animals, and maintenance is of high quality. Unlike other zoos I’ve visited, there is an absence of noxious smells and animal waste. The animals are taken care by a knowledgeable team of keepers, curators and supervisors. There are also tour guides that make the visit a true learning experience. I found myself walking through a safari that allowed my child-like curiosity to surge.
I remember seeing the crocodiles being fed in the afternoon. I was able to feed the emus (huge birds that look almost like ostriches) myself, separated from them only by a picket fence. I recall seeing the big cat with a titanium tooth, and a 100-year old Galapagos tortoise, which is the biggest among the turtles. I took photos of my companions with the snakes, hawk, owl, and some primates, although sadly, not a photo was taken with me in it. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every second of the trip to Avilon Zoo.
Make sure to bring an extra shirt or two on this environmental day trip as the heat can get to the best of us. Honestly though, the heat is something I do not mind, not after a week of sitting at my desk in my air-conditioned office. And even though my legs tire from a whole day of walking, I do not feel drained at all. There is magic in flora and fauna. Being close to nature, even for a day, is the elixir for stress that no vitamins or energy drink could give.
Travel Notes
La Mesa Ecopark
(02) 430-4051/ (02) 430-5207/ (02) 430-5207 (telefax)
www.lamesaecopark.com/
Avilon Zoo
Bo. San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal
Tel. Nos.: (632) 941-8393 * (632) 948-9866 (63917) 899-5126
Fax: (632) 941-8530 * Email: [email protected]
Entrance Fee: Php208.00 or $5.00/person
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